Mumbai, Jan 15, 2026: Two passengers were removed from an IndiGo flight bound for Thailand’s Krabi on Wednesday after reportedly misbehaving with cabin crew and other travelers during an unusually long delay. The flight from Mumbai, originally scheduled to depart at 4:05 am, was delayed by nine hours due to a combination of operational factors, airline officials said.

Incident Details

According to eyewitness reports and videos circulating on social media, the two unruly passengers became aggressive while the aircraft remained on the tarmac. Passengers were seen yelling at crew members, demanding explanations, and questioning the airline’s responsibility for the delay. One male passenger was captured on video kicking the cockpit door, while others reportedly shouted slogans and abused the pilot.

A Mumbai airport official explained that the delay was caused by multiple factors: the incoming aircraft was late from its previous West Asia sector, resulting in the operating cockpit crew exceeding their Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL). In addition, air traffic congestion contributed further to the late departure. The flight eventually took off around 1 pm, nearly nine hours behind schedule.

Airline Response

IndiGo stated that the two passengers were declared unruly and deboarded as per protocol, then handed over to airport security. The airline emphasized that meals and refreshments were served multiple times during the wait, and airport staff were available to assist travelers throughout the delay.

A spokesperson for IndiGo said, “We remain committed to ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all and regret the inconvenience caused to our customers. The two customers on board behaved inappropriately during the wait time and were declared unruly, resulting in further delays.”

Operational Context

The incident highlights ongoing operational pressures faced by IndiGo, India’s largest low-cost carrier. Sources said the airline has been struggling to manage flights since the implementation of stricter FDTL rules on November 1, which limit the maximum duty hours for crew to ensure safety. Analysts say that the low-cost operational model, combined with the new duty restrictions, has occasionally led to insufficient crew availability, compounding delays during irregular operations.

Tensions between passengers and airline staff have occasionally escalated under prolonged delays, particularly when communication about revised departure times is perceived as inadequate. Industry experts note that while airlines attempt to provide refreshments and assistance, frustration among travelers can sometimes result in confrontations.

Passengers’ Perspective

Several travelers reported confusion and frustration during the wait, noting that updates about departure times were irregular. The video clips shared on social media captured the intensity of the situation, reflecting both verbal abuse and physical aggression toward the crew.

The airport authority confirmed that security teams intervened to deboard the disruptive passengers and prevent escalation. No injuries were reported among other passengers or crew members.

Looking Ahead

IndiGo’s operational challenges continue to draw scrutiny, as the airline balances cost-efficient operations with strict adherence to safety regulations and international duty-time rules. For travelers, incidents like Wednesday’s highlight the potential consequences of compounded delays and the importance of clear communication during irregular operations.

The flight eventually departed safely for Krabi, but the incident remains a cautionary reminder of the operational pressures on India’s aviation sector and the need for disciplined behavior in prolonged delay situations.